Strictly Training Video - Chelsee Healey & Pasha Kovalev

Final video update tonight is new boy Pasha Kovalev and his partner Chelsee Healey with their Waltz.

Our first chance to see what Pasha brings to the show, as well as one of my initial tips for the title Chelsee.

Balance issues aside you can see straight away that Chelsee actually has quite a lot of grace and poise already, a real bonus for the Waltz and in addition to the moves she busted out during the launch show, a definite confirmation that she'll be a strong contender this year.

Some really nice lines, still a few stray arms here and there but without doubt the front runner from the training videos so far - keep it up Chelsee!

Strictly Training Video - Nancy Dell'Olio & Anton Du Beke

Second up tonight is Nancy Dell'Olio and Anton Du Beke also with the Waltz.

For the majority of the training Nancy is looking quite rigid and heavy footed, but I'm really liking the sequence around about 58/9 seconds in.

If she can continue to be lighter on her feet she'll be in good hands with Anton for the Waltz.

Strictly Training Video - Dan Lobb & Katya Virshilas

Ok it's been a busy few days so I haven't had time to keep you up-to-date with all the training videos so you'll now get 3 in fairly quick succession.

First up, Dan Lobb & Katya Virshilas with their Waltz training.

Dan needs to be careful not to let his shoulders tense up during the rise action, he's developing a good technique but the shoulders will ruin the look if he's not careful.

I'm liking Katya's way of getting Dan to keep his hold wide (thumbs under the armpits), I'll test it out in the technique class on Wednesday night!

Strictly Teaser Video - Nancy Dell'Olio

Nancy Dell'Olio Teaser Video

Strictly Training Video - Robbie Savage & Ola Jordan

Another training video, another Cha Cha Cha, this time it's Robbie Savage & Ola Jordan.

He's definitely going to have to work on the 'masculine' aspect of the dance, and needs to try to avoid bouncing/skipping during his forward locks.  You want to try and keep your top-half level and allow the straightening and bending of the legs to create the hip action.

I need to see more of them in action to make a judgement, but I would say there's still quite a bit of work required - try to loosen up Robbie and let go!

Strictly Teaser Video - Russell Grant

Russell Grant's Teaser Video

Strictly Training Video - Anita Dobson & Robin Windsor

 

Maybe it's Anita, and not Alex, who needs L and R written on her!  The number of times we have to say "other left foot"...yet the students just giggle.

Anita is looking nice and elegant at the moment, so that's a great start, though I do wonder how she'll cope when the Latin dances come around.

Looks like a very promising Waltz so I look forward to seeing a few more training videos soon.

Strictly Teaser - Alex Jones

Alex Jones' Teaser Video

(We've even had a student write L and R on her feet before!)

Strictly Teaser - Dan Lobb

Dan Lobb's Teaser Video

(If the 'running man' is anything to go by then Katya still has a bit of work to do!)